Elizabeth well knew that to retain her popularity she had to
be seen by her subjects. In the summer she would go on
"progresses" through the country, staying at her favourites'
estates--and being entertained as she went.

Though it was a great honour to have the Queen visit, it was
also a great expense. The illustration illustrates an
elaborate entertainment staged by the Earl of Leicester*
in 1575 at Elvetham. An artificial lake in the shape of a
crescent moon (a compliment to Elizabeth, who was often
compared with the classical
Diana) was constructed, and a whole series of small dramas
written for the Queen's stay, involving nymphs, satyrs,
"savages," fireworks, a mock sea-fight, and feasting. Three
islands were in the lake: a ship-isle, a fort, and a "snail
mount"; there was also a fully decked and manned pinnace. The
whole show cost Leicester £6,000.

Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, was an energetic
Protestant. He was involved in the abortive attempt to put
Lady Jane
Grey on the throne after the death of
Edward VI, and was imprisoned in the Tower.

When Elizabeth came to the throne, he became her favourite,
and, some thought, a possible husband (the death of his wife
under mysterious circumstances made this possible, but also
made him for a time suspect). He was for many years a Privy
Councillor, and even after his marriage to the Countess of
Essex, Elizabeth trusted him.

One of the earliest acting companies to be accorded royal
approval was under his patronage.

The Queen also ensured the admiration of her subjects by
ensuring that the Court was an showplace of art,
drama, and other festivities,
including masques and
dances, especially
during the Christmas season.

Footnotes

The Earl of Leicester

Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, was an energetic
Protestant. He was involved in the abortive attempt to put
Lady Jane
Grey on the throne after the death of
Edward VI, and was imprisoned in the Tower.

When Elizabeth came to the throne, he became her favourite,
and, some thought, a possible husband (the death of his wife
under mysterious circumstances made this possible, but also
made him for a time suspect). He was for many years a Privy
Councillor, and even after his marriage to the Countess of
Essex, Elizabeth trusted him.

One of the earliest acting companies to be accorded royal
approval was under his patronage.